The Eleny Piano method is a unique, innovative teaching approach created by Elena Seselgyte. It combines a holistic perspective, breathing techniques, mindfulness practices, and body awareness, helping students establish a deeper connection with both music and themselves.

Relaxation through Breathing

Special attention is given to breathing as a primary tool for relaxation and concentration. By practicing breathing exercises, students learn to reduce tension, relax, and achieve emotional balance, which is essential for smooth and musical playing.

Mindfulness and Body Awareness

In her teaching, Elena emphasizes the importance of mindfulness. Students are encouraged to feel every movement of the body – from the fingers' touch on the keys to posture and hand movements. This approach not only helps avoid excessive muscle tension but also creates a natural, effortless playing style.

A Holistic Approach to Learning

The holistic method encourages students to view music not just as a technical skill but as an artistic and emotional experience. Elena integrates music interpretation with body and mind harmony, motivating students to deeply understand the meaning of a piece and express it through personal interpretation.

Relaxation – The Key to Freer Playing

By using relaxation techniques, students learn to play without stress and with natural ease. This approach helps reduce stage fright, protects health by preventing excessive physical strain, and reduces the risk of injuries.

The Result – Freedom in Music

Elena’s method aims not only for technical excellence but also for a sense of freedom, allowing students to breathe life into each piece they perform. It is a path to authentic and inspiring musical performance that expresses inner harmony and a deep connection with music.

Playing a musical instrument is not only an artistic expression but also a powerful tool for brain development. Neuroscientists increasingly emphasize that playing skills have numerous cognitive, emotional, and social benefits for both children and adults.

Research shows that music activates both hemispheres of the brain and strengthens the connections between them. This improves:

• Memory and Concentration. Musicians have better working memory, which helps them learn faster and solve problems more effectively.

• Motor Skills. Playing an instrument actively engages both fine and gross motor skills, especially when playing with both hands.

• Creativity. Improvisation and interpretation encourage original thinking and problem-solving.

• Emotional Intelligence. Playing and interpreting music helps individuals better understand and express their emotions.

For children who start playing at an early age, there is an observed increase in the density of gray matter in areas of the brain responsible for sound perception, motor coordination, and language skills. They also tend to have higher IQs and better academic achievements.

For adults, making music helps maintain brain plasticity, reduces the risk of dementia, and improves emotional well-being. As learning to play an instrument adapts the brain, music becomes an excellent tool for long-term cognitive development.

Additionally, making music serves as both an emotional and social experience. Beyond the cognitive benefits, playing a musical instrument has a significant impact on emotional health. Music helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by releasing dopamine and serotonin – the “feel-good” hormones.

Moreover, playing music promotes social interaction. Concerts, ensemble playing, and masterclasses help both children and adults build self-confidence, learn to collaborate, and express themselves through art.

The benefits of music for the brain

Holistic teaching method: history

Holistic piano teaching is based on the integration of technical skills, musical understanding, and personal expression, aiming to develop well-rounded musicians. This approach combines various learning elements, encouraging a natural, creative, and efficient learning process.

One of the most influential modern educators, Paul Harris, developed the Simultaneous Learning model, which emphasizes connecting music theory, technique, and aural skills in every lesson. This method fosters a deeper understanding of music and creates a more cohesive learning experience.

American pedagogue Abby Whiteside challenged the traditional finger-centered approach, advocating for whole-body involvement in playing. She highlighted the importance of armand torso movement in musical expression, promoting a more natural and free piano technique.

French pianist and composer Marie Jaëll conducted scientific research on hand movements in piano playing. She sought to replace mechanical memorization with a systematic method that connects physiological awareness with musical expression, enhancing both technique and artistic interpretation.

Modern scientific research supports the benefits of holistic approaches in piano pedagogy. Innovative Methods in Modern Piano Pedagogy explores different teaching strategies to optimize learning, while Holistic Approach to Developing Textbooks for Children-Beginners in Piano Playing demonstrates how holistic principles—such as gradual progression, visual exercises, and musical engagement—enhance the learning experience for young pianists.

Lithuanian pianist and educator Elena Šešelgytė incorporates the methodologies and research of these pedagogues into her own teaching practice. By integrating these holistic principles, she not only helps students refine their technique but also nurtures creativity, emotional expression, and a deeper connection to music.

Holistic teaching method: principles